Maria Connor's abode just happens to be my favorite on the street! Well, tied with Dev's new condo. I am a true believer that a person's home says a lot about them, and fictional characters are not excluded from that belief. I categorized Maria's home style as "shabby chic" because that's exactly what it is. She's got a lot of modern furniture with some antique cosy accents. Just like Coronation Street, it's a bit of old and new. Her colour scheme is dependent on warm neutrals with a few splashes of bright green and plum. This look is very modern, very youthful, and very feminine. All that is Maria Connor. Also, her living room is a fairly new re-do. It wasn't too long ago she was ripping down the old paper that symbolized the home that her and Liam shared together. Stripping down that old paper, brightening up the space and adding her own personal style elements symbolizes her moving on with her life from that which she shared with her precious Liam. Now she has a place that is uniquely hers for her and her new baby.
Whereas none of these pieces are exactly what was used on the Coronation Street set, I have tried to get the general design feel of Maria Connor's shabby-chic living room and find pieces that I feel strongly replicated that.
1) Maria's highly sought after curtains. Terry's Fabrics, Peony Rose Curtain Fabric Chintz. (click here) For an affordable ready-made alternative, check out Ikea's Blad of Stockholm curtains. They even have a matching chair, and throw pillows available. (click here)2) Maria's unique heart-shaped hall mirror. Furniture inFashion, Heart Shaped Wall Mirror. (click here)
3) Tall square vase ready to fill with fresh flowers. Ikea, Rektangel Vase. (click here)
4) A colourful splash of fresh floral prints. World Gallery, Branche de cerisier (click here), Dahlias (click here).
5) This isn't your gran's wallpaper. Wallpaper Direct, St. James Place. (click here)
6) Candle sconce to add a romantic touch. The Orchard, White Oval Wooden Sconce Mirror. (click here)
7) Candlesticks in the window sill. Ikea, Skimmer Candlestick. (click here)
8) Dining room table. Ikea, Bjursta, Dining Room Table. (click here) Dining Room chairs with an cool island feel, Ikea, Hallsta Chair. (click here) Decorative Bowl, Ikea, Stockholm Bowl. (click here)
9) Cool and contemporary sofa. Ikea, Stockholm 3.5 seat sofa. (click here) Add some throw pillows for comfort and pops of colour. Ikea, Beata cushion. (click here) Already have pillows? Just get the covers! Ikea, Jorun cushion cover. (click here)
10) Decorative accents finish add warmth and personality. Table Lamp, Ikea, Artstid Table Lamp. (click here) Photo frames, Graham and Green, Bone Scalloped Edge Photo Frame. (click here)
11) Funky floral girly armchair. Ikea, Karlstad Armchair. (click here)
12) Modern glass coffee table. Barnitts Home & Garden, Medium Two Tier Oval Glass Coffee Table. (click here)
13) Minimalist white coffee table turned TV console. Ikea, Lack coffee table. (click here) Add a nice flatscreen, Amazon, Sony Bravia 26" Widescreen. (click here)
14) Branches for an earthy exotic feel. Ikea, Havtorn Farm decroation vase. (click here) Ikea, Smycka dried pants. (click here)
15) Pretty indoor life. Ikea, Phalaenopsis potted plant. (click here)
16) Maria's place just wouldn't be complete without some Lavender Essential Massage Oils. Amazon, Regent House Lavender Massage Oil. (click here)
17) Or the Desperate Housewives DVD box-set. Amazon, Desperate Housewives: Season 1. (click here)
I'll leave finding a suitable substitute for a shirtless, ironing, Tony Gordon up to you!
